An All-Round Great Day

Bruno, having a well-deserved munch on the back lawn

His working end ... at least, he's learning that it's the working end

Desi, in mid-flight, heading to the field

The girls, out in the field

They LOVE to play out here ... when Bruno's not around

Play-fighting over sticks

Interesting action shot

Lucy, quenching her thirst, while I clean and re-fill Bruno's bucket


Not only did I finish a painting, to my satisfaction, today. I also had a great ride on the Lad. For several reasons - his previous training and work as a pacer, arthritis in his hocks, etc. - he has had difficulty with the concept of listening to my leg and yielding to it. For the longest time, he was physically unable to do so without pain. Now that his hocks are eased, his back is no longer sore, and he is much more flexible and at ease with his body. But he STILL did not like to yield to the inside leg. So I tried the "PC" technique, first on the ground and then in the saddle. PC = praise and carrots, and works like a charm. Today, for the first time since he's been here, he yielded to the inside leg. No big deal [you think]! It's possibly one of the most basic and necessary steps in training a horse to start carrying himself elegantly, whatever the riding discipline. So I am very, very proud of my Sweet Babu today!!!
My sister's boxers, Lucy and Desi - the Ricardos - like to come out and watch. And as soon as Bruno is finished and untacked, he's let on the back lawn as a reward. Then the girls go flying into the ring and field beyond for some serious play-time. So, for all of us today, it's been a SUPER day!!!